Answer: Thomas Edison

This month is all about determination, deciding it’s worth it to finish what you’ve started. Have you ever run a race? To get a medal you have to keep going, even when it seems like you can’t go one more step.

This is true in life too. Sometimes we’re tempted to quit when things get hard. But for those for follow Jesus, we receive a crown that lasts forever! Because Jesus can do anything, He can give us the power we need even when all we want to do is quit. We can keep going even when it seems impossible.

This week, we’ll highlight four real life stories of determination. Read the determination story below and then unscramble the letters to reveal the name of the person who kept going. Rejected by 29 medical schools before being accepted by mistake to Hobart College, she became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States in 1849. She opened a medical practice, served poor families, and established the first medical college for women. Who was she?

_____________________________ _____________________________L I B E T E Z A H B A L W L L C K E

Ask God to help you run the race or finish what you start, even when it seems impossible.

DAY 1Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

One of the awesome things about following God is that He promises to be with us, no matter what. When you have a big job to do, when the job seems way too hard, God can help you stand strong, be brave and finish with determination. That’s what Paul is talking about in today’s verse. Even when the task seems impossible, God is with you.

Let’s take a look at another story of determination. Can you name this famous inventor? Considered unteachable at a young age, this inventor continued to try and try again. While many would say he had failed, he would say that he simply found over 1,000 ways not to create a light bulb. Who was he?

_____________________________ _____________________________H T M O S A N E I S D O

Ask God to give you the strength you need to remain strong, and keep going to finish what you’ve started.

DAY 2Read 1 Corinthians 16:13

Answer: Elizabeth Blackwell

WEEK

One2nd-3rd Grade

Do you ever feel like quitting? Maybe you’ve tried and failed and you’re afraid you’ll NEVER get it right. That’s when you have to remember that God is with you. He can make you strong, help you and hold you safe. His way is always right. God will give you the strength you need to keep going, even when it seems impossible.

Check out this story of determination. Can you unscramble the name to discover the answer?

This famous “colonel” didn’t start on his idea until the age of 60. He worked from age 60-73 to create and grow his business, sometimes even living in his car. Today, you can find a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in 118 different countries. Who was he? (Hint: The first name starts with an “H”)

________________________ _____________________ ________________________L D R A A H N D D A V I N D S A E R S

Thank God for the reminder that you don’t have to be afraid even if you need to try again.

DAY 3Read Isaiah 41:10

Ever popped a juicy grape into your mouth? Did you pluck it from the stem first? That stem is connected to the vine which supplies all the water and nutrients that grape needs to grow and become your snack.

Jesus described Himself as the vine. You are the branch. When you stay connected to Jesus, He can help you keep going, to keep doing the right thing, and to keep loving others the way He loves.

Our last story of determination is about a man who kept going even when he faced SO many setbacks. Can you figure out who it is?

He lost his beloved mother, his business failed, he ran for state legislature and lost, he got fired from his job, he couldn’t get into law school, he borrowed money from friends to start another business but that failed too. Despite many unsuccessful runs into politics, he was elected president in 1860. Who was he?

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Ask Jesus to help you stay connected to Him so you live the way He wants you to live.

DAY 4Read John 15:5

Answer: Harland David Sanders

Answer: Abraham Lincoln